Ingredients to Avoid in Grip (and Cosmetic Products)

My Experience

For individuals with sensitive or allergy-prone skin, choosing the right products can be a challenge. I have faced my own struggles with skin reactions, spending years trying to identify the ingredients responsible for my irritation. Many products I purchased—even from pharmacies—contained non-dermo-compatible chemicals that exacerbated my skin issues. It was only after thorough research and experimentation that I found solutions that worked for me.

When I started pole dancing, I encountered the same problem with grip products. The market offered limited options: ineffective products or those full of chemicals that caused adverse reactions. In 2014, this inspired me to create what would eventually become the first Polipole grip prototype. To my surprise, there was significant interest in a healthier alternative.

Today, we still hear from athletes who have experienced dermatological problems after using products from well-known brands. This highlights the importance of being informed about the ingredients in the products you use.

Do Athletes Read Labels?

Whether you practice pole dance, calisthenics, aerial arts, padel, or climbing, it’s essential to read labels and know which ingredients to avoid. Below is a list of harmful substances commonly found in grip and cosmetic products that could negatively affect your health and performance.

5 Ingredients to avoid in grip products

Acrylates

Acrylates are widely used in the production of plastics and as components in cosmetic products. These chemicals are not skin-friendly and can lead to irritation or other adverse reactions.
Some acrylates, such as ethyl acrylate, have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

Examples of ingredients to avoid include:

• Ethyl acrylate
• Acrylates
• C10-30
• Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Acrylate Copolymer

These synthetic polymers contribute significantly to microplastic pollution by passing through wastewater treatment, accumulating in ecosystems, and potentially harming marine life through ingestion and the transfer of toxins up the food chain.

Acrylates must be thoroughly removed from coated poles after each use, as allowing them to fully dry can result in permanent damage to the pole’s finish, leaving a slippery, plastic-like coating.

Anti-perspirant ingredients (Aluminum-based compounds)

Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary “plug” within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. No need to further explain why it belongs to the ingredients to avoid in grip products.

Common forms of Almuninum-based compounds include:

• Aluminum Chloride
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate
• Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine
• Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate

Silicones

Silicone compounds are widespread in the environment. Certain types, like some cyclic siloxanes, can pollute air and water and have been shown to harm test animals. These compounds are commonly found in personal care products. The European Chemicals Agency has identified some as harmful because they persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms to a significant degree, and are toxic.

Common forms of silicone include:

• Dimethicone
• Cyclopentasiloxane (In the EU, Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) will be effectively banned in all cosmetic products by June 6, 2027, as its concentration will be limited to a maximum of 0.1% by weight due to environmental concerns over its persistence and bioaccumulation)
• Cyclomethicone
• Phenyl Trimethicone
• Cyclotetrasiloxane (banned since January 1, 2022, by the European Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 because it is strongly suspected of being an endocrine disruptor)

Petroleum Derivatives

Petroleum-based ingredients are associated with significant environmental impact and are often found in cosmetic products.
Petroleum-derived ingredients, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in improperly refined petrolatum, can be harmful. PAHs are potentially carcinogenic and may pose health risks if present in significant amounts.

Currently, there is no established limit for PAHs in cosmetic products. However, research indicates that certain raw materials used in cosmetics, such as petrolatum, and paraffin, can contain trace amounts of specific PAHs. For example, one study detected BghiP at 0.4 mg/kg and Flu at 0.08 mg/kg in petrolatum.

Given these concerns, it’s essential for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in their cosmetic products and for manufacturers to ensure that their products are free from harmful levels of PAHs.

These hydrocarbons can also irritate the skin and should be avoided.

Examples include:

• Mineral Oil
• Microcrystalline Wax
• Paraffin
• Isoparaffin
• White Oil

Why Clean Ingredients Matter

At Polipole, we prioritize both your performance and safety. That’s why we carefully select top-quality, natural ingredients for our formulas. Our goal is to provide effective products without compromising skin health or the environment

The Bigger Picture

The importance of ingredient transparency became evident a few months ago when a controversial post circulated on Instagram, questioning whether certain grip products, could cause infertility. While the original post contained some inaccuracies, we appreciated the effort towards the community and how it sparked valuable discussions about ingredient safety.

Takeaway

Educating yourself about harmful ingredients is the first step toward making better product choices. We hope now you know more about the main ingredients to avoid in grip products. Clean, safe, and effective formulations should be a priority for every athlete. How important are clean ingredients to you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.